Delta’s CEO Search Hits Another Delay
But at least this one doesn’t leave you stuck in the Crown Room searching for an escape route.
Two Challenges, One Big Decision
Delta’s ongoing hunt for a new CEO is dragging on—with no decision expected until the board reconvenes at the end of August. The task at hand is two-fold:
Find the right leader to fill the top seat.
Keep operations and post-Chapter 11 momentum moving forward without disruption.
Of course, plenty of opinions are flying around—some informed, others… less so.
A Boardroom Battle?
Here’s one of the more colorful takes making the rounds:
“It’s a catfight to the finish between Paula Rosput (Delta board member and former AGL Resources CEO) and Marce Fuller (ex-Mirant Corp chief). One’s unemployed, the other semi-retired at a Seattle insurer—intensifying the drama. Wake us when it’s over.”
Meanwhile, informal polling among search professionals suggests a likely scenario: the board appoints a strong Chairman/CEO hybrid—someone in the mold of current CEO Gerald Grinstein. This would leave internal favorites Ed Bastian and Jim Whitehurst in their current positions. Two rumored names fit the profile, though only one has hands-on experience running a major airline. Notably, Daniel Carp still holds the role of non-executive Chairman.
Breaking the Pattern
Still, that’s the conventional route. But given Delta’s recent history, it’s hard to believe the board will go for the obvious.
Before Grinstein, there was Leo Mullin—an outsider and McKinsey alum who had to navigate a deeply flawed model and the chaos of 9/11. Some defend his tenure; we don’t. Credibility counts.
And before him? Ron Allen, a true Delta insider—though frankly, we’re not sure there’s any value in looking that far back.
Time for a Truly Fresh Start
Our take? The “new Delta” deserves a fresh leader. Someone who can build on recent wins, bring vision and optimism, but also accept a sobering truth: Sustained profitability for a major carrier in today’s airline ecosystem is, at best, wishful thinking—and at worst, denial.
Snack mix, anyone? Complimentary beverage?